"Gone With The Wind" by Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. (09/28/2025)

Gone with the Wind: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Guidance

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at crossroads, unsure of which path to take. It's in these moments that we must lean not on our own understanding, but on the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit. Like a wind that we cannot see but whose effects are unmistakable, the Holy Spirit moves in our lives, guiding us towards God's purpose.

Consider the story of Philip in the book of Acts. Here was a man in the midst of a great revival in Samaria, witnessing hundreds coming to Christ. Yet, in this moment of apparent success, the Holy Spirit called him away. "Go south to the desert road," came the instruction. To many, this would seem counterintuitive. Why leave a thriving ministry for an empty desert? But Philip, sensitive to the Spirit's leading, obeyed without hesitation.

This sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance is crucial for every believer. In a world filled with noise – from social media notifications to the constant barrage of news headlines – we must cultivate the ability to hear God's voice above the din. It requires intentional quiet time, stealing away from the hustle and bustle to commune with God. As Jesus himself said, just as we cannot see the wind but witness its effects, so too does the Holy Spirit operate in our lives.

But hearing is only the first step. True obedience requires submission to the Spirit's leading, even when it doesn't make sense to our natural minds. The Bible is replete with examples of this kind of faith-filled obedience. Abraham left the comfort of his homeland for an unknown destination. Noah built an ark in a world that had never seen rain. Joseph clung to a God-given vision despite years of setbacks and imprisonment.

These stories remind us that walking by faith often means stepping out into the unknown. It means being willing to look foolish in the eyes of the world because we're dancing to a rhythm only we can hear. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

But here's the beautiful thing about following the Spirit's lead – it often brings us to divine appointments we could never have orchestrated on our own. Philip's obedience led him to a hungry soul, an Ethiopian official searching for truth in the scriptures. This man of great authority and wealth needed something money couldn't buy – the revelation of Jesus Christ.

This encounter teaches us several valuable lessons. First, we must never be intimidated by someone's status or wealth. When we have the truth of the Gospel, we possess something far more valuable than any earthly treasure. Second, God is always at work behind the scenes, preparing hearts and orchestrating circumstances for His purposes. The Ethiopian was already reading Isaiah's prophecy about the Messiah when Philip arrived – perfect timing that only God could arrange.

Moreover, this story challenges us to examine our own witness. Are we using the gifts of the Spirit merely for show, or are we leveraging them to lead people to Jesus? The Holy Spirit's power is not given to us for self-aggrandizement, but to make us effective witnesses for Christ. As Jesus promised in Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

In our current cultural climate, where various brands of Christianity vie for attention, it's more important than ever to stay grounded in the true Gospel. The Bible warns that in the last days, even the elect might be deceived if it were possible. This sobering reality calls us to sharpen our spiritual senses through obedience to God's word and sensitivity to His Spirit.

We must be careful not to become "carnal Christians" – those who profess faith but are driven more by fleshly desires than spiritual truths. Instead, we're called to be "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18), allowing God's power to transform us from the inside out. This transformation should be evident in our lives, just as the effects of the wind are visible even when the wind itself cannot be seen.

As we navigate these challenging times, let's remember that our light is meant to help people, not hurt them. In a world desperately seeking authenticity and love, Spirit-filled believers have a unique opportunity to make a difference. We can offer hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved, and truth to those lost in deception.

The story of Philip ends with him being suddenly transported away by the Spirit after baptizing the Ethiopian. This miraculous event reminds us that when we yield to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we open ourselves to experiences beyond our wildest imagination. God can use us in ways we never thought possible, reaching people we never expected to influence.

In conclusion, let us be a people who are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, submitted to His will, and swayed by His leading. Let's cultivate ears that hear what the Spirit is saying to the church in these crucial times. And as we do, may we find ourselves carried along by the wind of God's Spirit, touching lives and transforming communities with the power of the Gospel.

Remember, the same Holy Spirit that guided Philip, empowered the early church, and has sustained believers throughout history is available to us today. Will you raise your hand, like those old deodorant commercials, and declare "I'm sure" – sure of your calling, sure of your election, and sure of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life? If so, get ready. The wind is about to blow, and who knows where it might take you!